Problem Info?

At low speed while turning (coming out of parking lots etc.) my steering is sluggish and at time hard to turn (not always but increasing getting worse).
when I give some gas increasing the RPM's the steering go back to normal and is good. note I do not need to add any fluids. When the problem happens I do hear a whinny noise.

Questions?

would this be due to my belt tensioner?
would this be due to my belt?
Could this be due to something else?

STS or SLS? ETC or ESC? Sounds like magnasteer issue.

STS or SLS? ETC or ESC? Sounds like magnasteer issue.

sorry the car is a sts 1999

I would say it's probably a belt issue... Change the belt first before messing with the tensioner.

I would say it's probably a belt issue... Change the belt first before messing with the tensioner.

ok will change belt first thanks!

You describe a classic power steering related issue. I doubt it's a belt as a belt loose enough for that to happen will also cause your alternator to slip when under electrical load (especially higher RPMs), and your battery won't charge properly.

Make sure you have enough fluid in the power steering pump. There's also a thingie (check-valve? pressure-sensor? I don't remember exactly) in the power steering line to the steering rack that can be problematic and result in the same symptom.

My money's on the fluid though. Top up.

You describe a classic power steering related issue. I doubt it's a belt as a belt loose enough for that to happen will also cause your alternator to slip when under electrical load (especially higher RPMs), and your battery won't charge properly.

Make sure you have enough fluid in the power steering pump. There's also a thingie (check-valve? pressure-sensor? I don't remember exactly) in the power steering line to the steering rack that can be problematic and result in the same symptom.

My money's on the fluid though. Top up.

ok thanks rock but the power steering is full and theres not leaks at all, will lok for that other thing though.

By the way, you should STILL check your belt anyway.

I had same symptoms, last summer. Sorry to say, but I´m afraid it´s the rack-and-pinion.. Not cheap.

I had same symptoms, last summer. Sorry to say, but I´m afraid it´s the rack-and-pinion.. Not cheap.

could be the rack I hope not, will check everything else first though then ask the pro's on the rack. I like my car and never had problems with it until recently, lately its a new mystery each day. thanks for you reply's there most helpful.

Don't overlook the "thingie" Rock spoke about (post #6).

The Northstar System is specifically designed to increase power steering pressure at idle so as to reduce effort while parking etc.

A failure in that system, it seems to me, would produce exactly the problem you are having.

Maybe someone here who is more familiar with it could chime in?

Regards,
Warren

Don't overlook the "thingie" Rock spoke about (post #6).

The Northstar System is specifically designed to increase power steering pressure at idle so as to reduce effort while parking etc.

A failure in that system, it seems to me, would produce exactly the problem you are having.

Maybe someone here who is more familiar with it could chime in?

Regards,
Warren


I had the same problem with my Eldo, but it happened about 5 times, where the steering would tighten up like crazy under 5mph, then loosened up with speed. I thought something was wrong, but prayed it would go away, which IT DID! It never happened again and still not sure what made it happen. As far as a remedy, it could be the magnasteer system. I really don't know. Good luck.

My 99 does same thing. A BEAR to park but I'm not ready for the $$ of a new rack. My mechanic tried the easy parts already, no change. Just like the Military, "don't ask, don't tell" works for me here.. I don't want to know the cost to replace.

My 99 does same thing. A BEAR to park but I'm not ready for the $$ of a new rack. My mechanic tried the easy parts already, no change. Just like the Military, "don't ask, don't tell" works for me here.. I don't want to know the cost to replace.

can u list here what parts you replaced already doorman?

A little info... When I first got my 99 ETC (in 2002: Certified) I had the same problem. Since it was under warranty, I took it in. They fixed it under the warranty. They said it mostly needed a fluid top-up, but they also told me there was a TSB concerning the problem, and they applied the recommended repair. I read the TSB and thought "Oh good! They already knew what to do." It did NOT involve replacing the steering rack or the power-steering pump, but it's been too long and I can't remember the details. It was something like a check-valve, or pressure-something or other. I seem to recall that it was related to the fluid lines themselves.

I haven't had the problem since.

I found the TSB on AllData. I note that it does not apply to Sevilles, but that doesn't necessarily mean that Sevilles don't have the same problem. Sevilles might have a different TSB, but anyways here's an excerpt:
Bulletin No.: 02-02-32-003B

Date: March 25, 2003

TECHNICAL

Subject:
Steering Moan/Shudder/Vibration/Noise During Parking Maneuvers (Replace Power Steering Pressure (Inlet) Hose Assembly)

Models:
1997-1999 Cadillac DeVille
1997-2002 Cadillac Eldorado

Supercede:

This bulletin is being revised to add an additional model and provide new part and installation information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 02-02-32-003A (Section 02-Steering).

Condition

Some customers may comment on a steering vibration, shudder or moan noise during low speed turning/parking maneuvers.

Cause

This condition may be due to the steering system frequencies being transmitted through the power steering pressure (inlet) hose assembly.

Correction

An improved power steering pressure (inlet) hose assembly is now available from GMSPO. Replace the existing steering pressure hose with a new steering pressure (inlet) hose assembly, P/N 25755411. Refer to the following power steering hose replacement procedure.
There's more to it, with diagrams and step-by-step repair procedures.

ok will check it out...

My '98 STS did the same thing- fixed when I replaced the power-steering pump. The pulley was a bear to get off, almost stripped the puller threads, but it was a cheap loaner from Auto -Zone.
Doug